Testimonials

Sommer assisted us in the purchase of fourty acres of bare land. She is an excellent communicator, attentive, responsive and knowledgeable. I intend to employ her again when we are ready to buy or sell property and recommend her without reservation.Mark O. & Sara S.

Designations

“The real estate industry is saddled with a large number of part-time, untrained, unethical and/or incompetent agents.” – NAR Danger Report June 2015

In an effort to become and remain one of the best in my industry, I seek out additional training and certifications that will benefit my clients. If you're wondering what all those letters behind my name name stand for, here are brief explanations of each.

Managing Broker
In the State of Washington, all licensed real estate agents are referred to as "brokers", which differs from some other states. A broker is legally defined as: a natural person acting on behalf of a real estate firm to perform real estate brokerage services under the supervision of a designated broker or managing broker.

A managing broker is legally defined as: a natural person acting on behalf of a real estate firm to perform real estate brokerage services under the supervision of the designated broker, and who may supervise other brokers or managing brokers licensed to the firm.

Managing brokers have greater experience and have completed additional educational requirements to obtain this level of licensure.

ABR®: Accredited Buyer’s Representative
This designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

Four (4) requirements must be met to attain and use the ABR® designation:

Successful completion of the two-day ABR® Designation Course.

Successful completion of one of the ABR® elective courses.

An 80 percent passing grade on the exam.

Documentation verifying five (5) completed transactions in which the ABR® candidate acted as a buyer’s representative.

CRS: Certified Residential Specialist
CRS REALTORs® represent the top 3 percent of real estate agents in the U.S. CRS agents have more experience and training than the average REALTOR® and they are part of a community of REALTORS® dedicated to improving the real estate industry for homebuyers and sellers everywhere.

The threshold to becoming a real estate agent is surprisingly low. Requirements vary by state, but some ask for as little as 40 hours of training and few ask for more than 100 hours—compare that to the 1,000 hours that are typically required to become a hair stylist.

To become a CRS, however, REALTORS® must meet a number of stringent requirements that combine advanced hours of education and training, experience and success in the marketplace. A CRS agent adheres to a strict code of ethics that binds them to perform in the best interest of their clients at all times.

CRSs are required to have between 25 and 150 transactions and between 16 and 80 additional hours of education beyond what’s required of the typical REALTOR®.

These are agents who are invested in their careers, in buying and selling real estate and in making sure their clients are satisfied. CRS is the sign of a true real estate professional.

The Benefits of Working with a CRS Agent

CRSs receive advanced training above and beyond what is required of typical agents

CRSs have proven experience through logged transactions

CRSs continuously improve their skills and learn about new regulatory developments

CRSs adhere to an ethics code not required of other agents

e-PRO®
Social media is still relatively new, and evolving every day. An agent with the e-PRO® certification is dedicated to making the most of today's social media and technology to help you with your real estate needs, whatever they may be.

Agents with the e-PRO® certification demonstrate:

Advanced training in using the latest technology and social media to promote your property or find your next home

A clear understanding of the ways that e-office strategies, rich media and social networking can benefit today's consumer in a real estate transaction

Excellence in adopting, implementing, and promoting technology best practices

Ethics with commitment to use technology in fair and responsible manner

Professionalism by completing an education program designed to keep one’s technical knowledge and skill sets up-to-date

MCNE: Master Certified Negotiation Expert
Real estate agents and brokers are hired by home buyers and sellers to assist and represent them in the home purchase/sale transaction. In virtually all home purchase/sale transactions, home buyers and sellers rely exclusively on their agent/broker to interact with the other side to help reach an agreement.

A significant part of the value added by real estate agents/brokers is their ability to effectively negotiate and influence the other side to agree to acceptable terms.

Professional negotiation training has been taught and used in most industries for decades. The Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI) began teaching professional negotiation skills in real estate in 2005. RENI’s structured, disciplined approach to negotiating with and on behalf of clients consistently leads to better overall protection and final agreements for both parties.

REALTOR®
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade group in the country.

REALTORS® are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics.

Areas Served

About this Website

BestBellinghamHomes.com is the real estate website of Sommer Cronck. I've lived in Bellingham, WA since 2000 and there's no other place I'd ever want to call "home" again. I am passionate about Whatcom County and all it has to offer.

Whether you are getting ready to buy or sell a residential home, I'm happy to talk and answer any questions you may have. From your first home to your forever home, I will work with you every step of the way to bring your dreams to life.

With over 20 years of marketing experience and an excellent professional reputation, I look forward to putting my expertise to work for you.